The ringing of bells echoed through the academy corridors in the early morning. Elias rose from his new bed and quickly dressed. As he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his face carried both excitement and tension.
"It begins today," he whispered to himself. "I'm no longer a child."
The door creaked open, revealing a tall boy with brown hair and a faintly mocking smile.
"You one of the new recruits?" he asked.
"Yes," Elias replied, steadying himself. "My name is Elias."
"I'm Cedric," the boy said with a smirk. "Hope you're tough enough. This place doesn't forgive the weak."
Without responding, Elias stepped into the corridor. The bells still tolled, and the stream of students flowed toward the great courtyard.
At its center stood a broad-shouldered instructor with piercing eyes—Commander Aldren. His expression betrayed no emotion.
"Newcomers!" he barked. "Today, you will learn your own limits. A sword is not wielded by strength of arm alone, but by strength of will."
Wooden swords were handed out. As Elias gripped his weapon, memories of childhood training with his father resurfaced. He could almost hear Varian's voice echoing in his mind:
"Balance, my son. Without firm footing, your sword will never obey you."
"Elias. Step forward!" Aldren's voice cut through his thoughts. "Your opponent will be Cedric."
The two boys faced each other. Cedric lunged aggressively, forcing Elias onto the defensive. The crack of wood against wood rang out, filling the courtyard. Cedric relied on raw power, while Elias focused on maintaining balance. When Cedric overextended, Elias seized the opening and broke his stance. Cedric stumbled.
Aldren raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting… You hold your balance well, boy."
Cedric growled.
"That was just luck!"
Elias quietly returned to his place. Though a spark of pride flickered in his chest, he made no show of it.
Throughout the lesson, students sparred in different pairings, each strike and counter sharpening Elias's discipline and patience. When the session ended, Aldren addressed them all:
"As you have seen today, the sword is more than a weapon. It reflects who you are. Know your limits, and strive to overcome them."
That afternoon, the students gathered in a vast stone hall. At its center, faintly glowing blue crystals illuminated the room. An elderly yet vigorous instructor, Master Marwen, stepped forward.
"Children," he said slowly, his voice calm but resolute, "the Nexus is not a power found outside. It lives within you. Yet not every body or spirit can bear it equally. First—you must learn to listen."
The students closed their eyes. Silence filled the chamber. Elias felt the rhythm of his heartbeat, the tremble of his breath. And then—faint, distant, but real—he sensed a vibration deep within himself.
Beside him, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl whispered, "I don't feel anything…"
Elias replied softly, "Neither do I… but there's something, deep down."
By the end of the lesson, some students had shown no progress, while others sensed small sparks. Elias himself felt only a weak tremor inside—but even that was enough to fill him with excitement.
As evening fell, Elias trudged back to the dormitory, exhaustion weighing on his body. Cedric brushed past him, shoulder-checking him on the way.
"Lucky today. But it won't last."
Elias said nothing, drawing in a deep breath.
Then Lyra, the blonde girl from earlier, approached with a smile.
"You weren't bad today," she said warmly.
Elias returned a small smile. "Thanks. I've still got a long way to go."
"Me too," Lyra replied. "Maybe… we'll get through it together."
That night, Elias lay in bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. His body was tired, but deep within his heart, a quiet warmth lingered. The path ahead would not be easy—but surrender was never an option.